WhatsApp hit with 72-hour ban in Brazil [Update: suspension lifted]

Update: A judge has now overturned the suspension just a day after it went into effect, Reuters reports. The block would have affected more than 100 million WhatsApp users.

Original story: Brazil has once again opted to temporarily block the popular messaging service WhatsApp in the country. According to Brazilian publication Folha De S.Paulo, the block is scheduled to remain in place for 72 hours, affecting WhatsApp users across the country. The reason for the temporary ban hasn't yet been revealed, but previous bans have come in response to Facebook's refusal to comply with federal investigators in in ongoing criminal cases.

This isn't the first time Facebook-owned WhatsApp has been temporarily blocked in Brazil. In December, the service was subject to a 48-hour shutdown for similar reasons related to a criminal investigation. That shutdown was lifted before the 48-hour period concluded, however.

Are you affected by this block? If so, let us know what you're using as an alternative in the comments below!